Ernest Ashlock, 57, had originally been charged with obstructing government administration after ignoring officers’ warnings not to go back into the building at 94-96 Fourth Street to gather belongings, Bangor police Sgt. Paul Edwards said.

After a collaborative effort by Bangor police, fire and the State Fire Marshal’s office, enough evidence was gathered to charge Ashlock with Class A felony arson, Edwards said. He was taken into custody Wednesday without incident and is being held at the Penobscot County Jail.

Officials are continuing to investigate what caused the fire, according to Edwards. No tenants were hurt in the blaze. Edwards did not disclose how many tenants were displaced.

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Ashlock, a tenant at the building, had been arrested at the scene Tuesday night after being warned several times not to go back into the building, according to Edwards.

Any witnesses are asked to contact Bangor police at 947-7382, and ask to speak to the criminal investigation division. The department’s tip line can be accessed by pressing 6.